Two hikers were rescued in Washington after getting trapped in the middle of an unexpected snowstorm in the Cascade Mountains.

According to the Kittitas County Sheriff's Department, the hikers called 911 shortly before 11 am on Sunday, reporting that they were “lost, wet and cold, with no shelter but a blue plastic sheet.”

The emergency call, sent by text message due to a lack of cell phone service, located the couple in the Alpine Lakes Wilderness Area, a mountainous area in the north of the state.

A rescue walk across the ice

Rescue teams walked five miles in snowy conditions to reach the hikers. When they were found, both were “soaked and cold, but unharmed,” the sheriff's office said.

Rescuers helped the two hikers descend the slope and escorted them out of the woods.

Authorities stressed that these types of incidents increase in the fall, when changes in weather can surprise even experienced hikers.

“Ten essentials” for going into the mountains

The department reminded all adventurers to carry what they call the “10 essentials”: ??navigation, sun protection, insulation, lighting, a first aid kit, lighters or matches, food, water, emergency shelter, and basic tools.

The recommendation comes amid an increase in rescues in the state. In Skamania County, Sheriff Summer Scheyer proposed an ordinance that would impose fines on those who act recklessly or negligently and cause costly search and rescue operations. Cris Hazzard, a professional guide and author known as “The Hiking Guy,” urged hikers to take a few minutes to check weather conditions, maps, and trail closures before setting out on any hike.

“A little planning can make the difference between a safe adventure and an emergency situation,” he said.